* Relevant business interests of governors and details of any other educational establishments they govern

** Relationships between governors and members of the school staff including spouses, partners and relatives

Governor Profiles:

Charles Cody (Co-Opted):Originally a parent governor, then Deputy Chair, presently Chair of Governors. Local business owner for last 21 years with passionate interest in maintaining the life and vibrancy of the Dale for both personal and business reasons. Formerly commissioned Officer, Royal Air Force serving in the UK and Middle East, moved into Hospitality after 3years at Oxford Brooks, specializing in fine food, process management and later business development and consulting both in the UK and abroad. Opened 1st business in the dale in 1996, followed by 2nd in 2006, 3rd in 2012. Believe that the school is at the heart of the community and its continued health fundamental to the community.

David Williams (LA):

Chartered Accountant, working life in public practice retiring in 2003 to become Director of Yuill Group companies. Governor at Arkengarthdale School since about 1990 and currently Chair of the Finance Committee, and Vice Chair of the Joint Collaboration Committee. Governor Barnard Castle School 1990 – 2014 – Chair of House and Finance Committee and Vice Chair of Governors most of time. Chairman of Hambleton & Richmondshire Junior Football league, Trustee of Reeth and District Community Sports Club Ltd and other charities.

John Sparke (Foundation):

Chartered Engineer, with a Mechanical Engineering degree. I worked in the oil industry, mostly on Teesside, becoming General Manager of a large crude oil processing plant and a Director of Philips Petroleum Company UK Ltd. I’m married with three children and six grandchildren. I support Hartlepool United FC and Durham County Cricket Club. I’m Secretary of St. Mary’s Church Council. Currently Vice Chair of the Full Governing Body and Chair of the School Improvement Committee.

Helen Hird (Parent):

I am a mother of two children who attend Arkengarthdale School and I became a parent governor in July 2017.I have worked with children for over 18 years both as a nanny and in early years’ education. I have a BA Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Education and have a good understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.I am part of the School Improvement committee and also the Sustainability committee.

Hannah Burrell (Staff):

I have been teaching within the collaboration since September 2016. Having trained to teach with High Force Education SCITT and the Swaledale Alliance, I was fortunate enough to train and work at Arkengarthdale from May to July 2014 and returned in September 2016 to teach within the team and lead Maths. I presently teach EYFS at Richmond Methodist School and lead Geography and Global Schools, but continue to support the teaching team at Arkengarthdale. Previously, I taught Year 1 at a large primary school in Darlington. I am currently a member of the School Improvement Committee.

Sue Ellis (Co-Opted)

I moved to Arkengarthdale in 2012 with my partner Tim and was appointed to the governing body of the school in 2015. My own daughter is now in her twenties but for 10 years, whilst she was at school in Hertfordshire, I volunteered as a respite foster carer alongside my full-time job. For many years I worked as a manager of both staff and IT projects at a large insurance company and then more recently set up my own company as an IT consultant.

As the school is such an integral part of this local community I was happy to become a governor and I try my best to make a positive contribution to the running of the school and the children’s education; I am currently the Link Governor for Health and Safety.

Sarah Kettlewell (Parent):

Sarah has been a Parent Governor since 2013 and has two children at the school. She has worked in conservation organisations for 20 years developing and delivering new projects and applying for funding from European, national and local trust, charities and Government organisations. Sarah is particularly interested in outdoor learning and music and is committed to the principles that all children should have access to a first rate education and that learning should be fun. She is a member of the School Improvement Committee, is Secretary to the Friends of the School charity and helps in after school clubs.

Janet Bethune:

Janet has lived in Arkengarthdale since 2014 but has been visiting the area for many years. She has recently become an associate member of the governing body.

With a degree in Natural Environmental Science, Janet initially taught Science but after her two children, specialised in Learning Support. She was a primary school SENCO and co-ordinated the special educational needs provision, liaising closely with staff, outside agencies and the local education authority. She worked with children with a range of social, emotional and educational needs in partnership with parents. Janet also formally assessed children and young people for Specific Learning Difficulties e.g. dyslexia, identifying strengths as well as needs.

Rev. Caroline Hewlett: (Foundation)

I have been the vicar of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale since 2006, and part of my role is to be a Foundation Governor. I am involved in the weekly like of the school by leading assemblies and teaching Forest School sessions in the woodland ‘3rd classroom’. Part of my role is to keep the link between the school and the church, and to help build the Christian ethos of the school.